DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE
	MAT 476 Teaching Mathematics in the Secondary/Middle Schools (3 credits)
	COURSE SYLLABUS

Instructor: 		Prof. Carol Marinas				                                            
Office:			Garner 209
Telephone:		899-3617  
Year/Semester:		Spring 1996

Course Description:  Methods of mathematics teaching for the prospective middle and secondary school 
teacher.  Prerequisite:  21 credits in mathematics, including MAT 211.

Objectives:  To provide the student with a variety of teaching strategies and materials to succeed in the 
field of mathematics in the middle and secondary schools.

Learning Outcomes/Competencies:  At the end of the course the will be able to:

		1.	Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental topics of the middle and 	
			secondary  school  curriculum.
		2. 	Develop various teaching strategies using computers, graphing calculators, 	
			video  tapes, and  manipulatives.
		3. 	Develop mathematical communication skills for effective teaching.
		4. 	Relate mathematical ideas to situations in our daily lives.

Topics:  Teaching methods for algebra, geometry, probability, statistics, trigonometry, calculus, discrete 
mathematics, and number theory.  Dealing with math anxiety.  Cooperative learning, assessment and 
problem-solving techniques.

Learning Methods:  A variety of learning techniques will be used which include:  lecture, discussion, 
reading material, video tapes, graphing calculators, manipulatives and computer-assisted instruction.

Course Requirements:  Students will read and actively discuss the text, complete all assignments on 
time (papers, lesson plans, etc.) , and take a final examination.

Grading/Evaluation:  No assignments will be accepted late.  They will be collected at a specific date and 
time, which will be announced in class.  The homework and projects will be equivalent to one test.  
There are no make-up examinations.  The final grade will be based on the following scores obtained on 
the midterm, homework/projects and final exam.  The letter grades will be distributed based on the 
following scale:
	A - 90 - 100%	B - 80 - 89%	C - 70 - 79%	D - 60 - 69%	F - 0  - 59%			
			
The midterm examination and final examination will count as 30% of the grade, and homework/projects 
will count as 40% of the grade.

Absence Policy:  Attendance is strongly encouraged.  No make-up tests or quizzes will be permitted for 
absences or tardiness.  Collected assignments will not be accepted late.  The student is responsible for 
any missed material due to absence. "A total of six class hours will result in automatic withdrawal with 
W, WP, or WF, if within the designated period, or automatic F if not."  Each tardy  (more than 15 
minutes late) will count as 1 hour absent.

Text:  National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School 
Mathematics, NCTM, 1st edition, 1989.

Office Hours:  To be announced the first day of class.